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Composite materials reinforced with synthetic fibres are effective lightweight materials that can replace heavy metal components in a range of applications. However, they are still not the most environmentally sustainable option because their production generates high carbon dioxide emissions.

Ulrik Svedin

Society as a whole is striving to reduce its carbon footprint by finding ways to lower energy consumption and increase the use of renewable energy. This also involves developing solutions that enable materials to be selected more effectively, with a lower carbon impact throughout their life cycle, from production to recycling.

Natural flax fibres can be coated with graphene. In recent decades, natural-fibre composites have been widely used for semi-structural components in products and applications. These materials offer both weight savings and a low carbon footprint.

However, several challenges must be addressed before they can be used more extensively. These include the relatively low mechanical strength of natural-fibre materials and their sensitivity to water and moisture.

In this project, we aim to improve the performance of natural fibres and protect them from environmental exposure by coating them with graphene.

A comprehensive study will be conducted, spanning the micro to the macro scale. It will cover material selection, manufacturing, including chemical and graphene treatments, testing and materials characterisation.

The research is being carried out through collaboration between a materials supplier, a graphene producer and an end user.

The project aims to contribute to a broad range of the UN Sustainable Development Goals in the 2030 Agenda by helping to reduce carbon footprints. Graphene-coated natural-fibre materials could promote the wider use of natural fibres in applications where they have previously failed to meet performance requirements.

One example is their use in aquatic environments, where the moisture absorption of natural fibres currently makes them unsuitable.